Tag Archives: Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

A CHRISTMAS CAROL Runs Nov. 23-Dec. 31

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Ebenezer Scrooge (Bruce Cromer, center) and Tiny Tim (Ty Joseph Shelton) lead the 29-member cast in the finale. Photo by Sandy Underwood.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park
Nov. 23-Dec. 31
Eden Park

Directed by Michael Evan Haney

The Playhouse’s version of A CHRISTMAS CAROL combines faithful storytelling with spellbinding stage magic to bring to life its familiar story of a sinner given one last chance at redemption by four persuasive ghosts. Ebenezer Scrooge undergoes a miraculous Christmas Eve transformation as he views with new eyes his past, present and the possibilities of the future. As he witnesses all those who have improved his life — his first love Belle, his kindhearted employer Fezziwig, his nephew Fred and his heartily abused clerk Bob Cratchit — he realizes that it’s never too late to change his miserly ways. A CHRISTMAS CAROL’s heartwarming message, hundreds of costumes and thrilling special effects help to make the show one of the Playhouse’s most popular productions each year.

“For my money, there’s no better local holiday entertainment.” – The Cincinnati Enquirer

Advisory: A CHRISTMAS CAROL is suitable for all general audiences, including children ages 5 and older. Due to the full-length nature of the show, children younger than 5 cannot be admitted. Please contact the Box Office if you have questions or require additional information.

  • Wed, Nov. 23 at 7pm
  • Fri, Nov. 25 at 7pm
  • Sat, Nov. 26 at 2pm & 7pm
  • Sun, Nov. 27 at 2pm
  • Thu-Fri, Dec. 1-2 at 7pm
  • Sat, Dec. 3 at 2pm & 7pm
  • Sun, Dec. 4 at 2pm
  • Thu-Fri, Dec. 8-9 at 7pm
  • Sat, Dec. 10 at 2pm & 7pm
  • Sun, Dec. 11 at 2pm
  • Thu-Fri, Dec. 15-16 at 7pm
  • Sat-Sun, Dec. 17-18 at 2pm & 7pm
  • Tue, Dec. 20 at 7pm
  • Wed, Dec. 21 at 2pm & 7pm
  • Thu, Dec. 22 at 7pm
  • Fri, Dec. 23 at 2pm & 7pm
  • Mon-Fri, Dec. 26-30 at 7pm
  • Sat, Dec. 31 at 2pm

Official page |

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Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati and the Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati Return for the Holidays with the Character Crew

PIP_logo(CINCINNATI) – Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati and The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati are joining together once again to bring beloved characters to life across the Tristate with a number of special holiday appearances beginning Nov. 12.

ETC_new_logo_bannerCharacters from Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s 26th annual production of A Christmas Carol, presented by U.S. Bank; Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati’s world premiere production of the musical Cinderella: After Ever After, sponsored by Macy’s; and The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s holiday production of Elf The Musical JR., also sponsored by Macy’s, will spread holiday cheer at events around the city from mid-November through Nov. 27.

The Character Crew will make appearances at the following holiday attractions:

  • Saturday, Nov. 12 (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.): Greater Cincinnati Holiday Market, Duke Energy Convention Center
  • Friday, Nov. 18 (5 to 7 p.m.): Festival of Lights Members’ Preview, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
  • Saturday, Nov. 19 (9 a.m. to noon): Cincinnati Pops Family Lollipops Concert, Taft Theatre (The CSO’s Tempo the Penguin character will also make an appearance at this event)
  • Saturday, Nov. 19 (2 to 4 p.m.): Crafty Supermarket, University of Cincinnati Recreation Center
  • Friday, Nov. 25 (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.): Tree Lighting and Santa Arrival, Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal
  • Saturday, Nov. 26 (5:30 to 7 p.m.): Macy’s Downtown Dazzle, Fountain Square
  • Sunday, Nov. 27 (noon to 2 p.m.): Winterfair, Northern Kentucky Convention Center

TCTC_new logoThe Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park has been offering local audiences the finest in professional theatre for 57 years. Winner of two Tony Awards, the Playhouse is nationally known for its commitment to new works and as an artistic home for America’s best actors, directors and designers. Faithful storytelling and spellbinding special effects combine in the Playhouse’s annual production of A Christmas Carol, one of the city’s most popular family plays, which returns Nov. 23 through Dec. 31 for its 26th season. For more information, visit www.cincyplay.com.

Now in its 31st season, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati (ETC), located in historic Over-the-Rhine, is a professional theatre dedicated to producing world and regional premieres of works that often explore compelling social issues. This season marks the 19th year ETC has been presenting family-friendly musicals for the holidays. This season, ETC presents Cinderella: After Ever After, a brand-new sequel to its best-selling show ever, from Nov. 30 through Dec. 30. For more information, visit www.ensemblecincinnati.org

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) brings art to life for children and the young-at-heart through three key programs: MainStage at the Taft Theatre, TCT On Tour and TCT Academy. Currently celebrating its 92nd season, TCTC is the oldest children’s theatre in the country and serves nearly 200,000 children, families and students each season. From Dec. 10 through Dec. 18, The Children’s Theatre presents the holiday classic Elf The Musical JR. For more information, visit www.thechildrenstheatre.com.

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Cincinnati Playhouse Job Opening: Education Associate

PIP_logoEDUCATION ASSOCIATE
Job Posting

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park is an equal opportunity employer and encourages inquiries about this position from a broad spectrum of candidates reflecting the diversity of the community we serve.

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park seeks to hire a full-time Education Associate. The Education Associate is responsible for the administration, management and teaching of assigned education programs at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

*Manage the administration of assigned programs *Oversee registration and scheduling for programs *Manage the implementation of program budget and expenses *Teach classes, camps, residencies, and workshops *Develop curriculum and teacher guides *Orient and train staff on curriculum, classroom management and partner communication methods

Start Date: January 3, 2017

Full time, non-exempt salaried position with benefits. Overtime paid for hours worked beyond 40 hours per week.

Salary commensurate with experience.

Nights and weekends are required for classes and community events. Start times do vary based on scheduled classes and workshops. The schedule is subject to change based on needs of programs.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

To apply, email cover letter, administrative and theater resumes, three references and a sample lesson plan to Daunielle Rasmussen, Director of Education and Community Engagement at daunielle.rasmussen@cincyplay.com. Deadline to apply is November 13, 2016. No calls please.

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Cincinnati Playhouse’s A CHRISTMAS CAROL Brings the Spirits of the Season to Life on the Robert S. Marx Stage Nov. 23-Dec. 31

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Ebenezer Scrooge (Bruce Cromer) celebrates his renewed holiday spirit . Photo by Sandy Underwood.

(CINCINNATI) — The Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s joyous, time-honored celebration of the true meaning of the holidays, a tradition enjoyed by multiple generations of Cincinnatians each year, returns for its 26th season as U.S. Bank presents Charles Dickens’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL. The beloved, iconic story will be performed Nov. 23 through Dec. 31 in the Playhouse’s Robert S. Marx Theatre.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL, an immediate hit when Dickens wrote it in 1843, is often credited for revitalizing the celebration of Christmas as we know it today. The renowned tale is so imbedded in popular culture that “Scrooge” is universally recognized as a synonym for a mean, tight-fisted person. A CHRISTMAS CAROL has also inspired countless television, film and stage adaptations — from classic interpretations to contemporary and even cartoon versions — that share the heartwarming truth of Dickens’ most popular work among a prolific output of classics.

The Playhouse’s version of A CHRISTMAS CAROL, adapted by Howard Dallin, brings Dickens’ narrative to vivid life with spectacular effects that illuminate Ebenezer Scrooge’s time-traversing pilgrimage with the spirits one magical Christmas Eve. From his kind-hearted sister Fan and first love Belle to his generous employer Fezziwig and humble clerk Bob Cratchit, Scrooge is repeatedly shown the saving grace of love and concern for humanity. The timeless message of A CHRISTMAS CAROL helps to make it one of the Playhouse’s most popular productions each season and a perfect way to introduce children to the joys of theatre.

The cast of the 26th annual production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL features a mix of new and familiar actors. Bruce Cromer returns to fill Ebenezer Scrooge’s miserly shoes for the 12th time this season, the longest run among the four actors who have played the role in the Playhouse’s production. (Cromer previously portrayed long-suffering clerk Bob Cratchit for eight years.) Also returning are Craig Wesley Divino as Fred, Annie Fitzpatrick as Mrs. Fezziwig/Patience, Ryan Wesley Gilreath as Bob Cratchit/Schoolmaster Oxlip, Kelly Mengelkoch as Mrs. Cratchit/Laundress at Fezziwig’s, Gregory Procaccino as Jacob Marley/Old Joe, Douglas Rees as Mr. Fezziwig/Ghost of Christmas Present, Nick Rose as Mr. Cupp/Percy/Rich Man at Fezziwig’s, Stephen Skiles as Mr. Sosser/Topper/Man with Shoe Shine/Guest at Fezziwig’s and Kathleen Wise as Ghost of Christmas Past/Mrs. Peake. New to A CHRISTMAS CAROL this season and making their Playhouse debuts are Sara Masterson as Belle/Catherine Margaret and John Skelley as Young and Mature Scrooge/Ghost of Christmas Future.

Members of the Playhouse’s Bruce E. Coyle Acting Intern Company — Richard Buchanan, George Bull, Ernaisja Curry, Candice Handy, Tatum Hunter, Taha Mandviwala and Koray Tarhan — will play carolers, party guests and others.

Nine Tristate children also appear in A CHRISTMAS CAROL. This season, one new junior cast member will join eight veterans of the production. Returning are Ella Faith Gallagan as Belinda Cratchit/Guest at Fezziwig’s, Ari Elizabeth Johnson as Want/Guest at Fezziwig’s, Aidan McCracken as Peter Cratchit/Gregory/Apprentice at Fezziwig’s, Ty Joseph Shelton as Ignorance/Matthew/Rich Son at Fezziwig’s, Livvy Stubenrauch as Fan/Guest at Fezziwig’s, Ashley Taylor as Martha Cratchit/Guest at Fezziwig’s, Austin Vaughan as Boy Scrooge/Guest at Fezziwig’s/Bootblack and Henry Charles Weghorst as Tiny Tim. New to A CHRISTMAS CAROL this year is Sabian George Swan as George/Charles/Apprentice at Fezziwig’s.

“It is a recurring joy to bring Charles Dickens’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL to life every holiday season,” says Michael Evan Haney, who is directing the production for the 24th time. (Haney has been associated with A CHRISTMAS CAROL since its debut in 1991, playing Bob Cratchit for the first two seasons.) “Cincinnati has enthusiastically embraced this production and many have made it a family tradition. Seeing the faces of the children entering the theatre and getting their first glimpse of the set, hearing their squeals at Marley’s entrance and their laughter as Scrooge enjoys his redemptive metamorphosis — these moments sweeten my holiday season like nothing else.”

In addition to Haney, the creative team for A CHRISTMAS CAROL includes James Leonard Joy (set designer), David Murin (costume designer), Kirk Bookman (lighting designer), David B. Smith (sound designer/composer), Steve O’Shea (lighting contractor), Cindy Witherspoon (costume coordinator), Rebecca N. Childs (music director) and Dee Anne Bryll (choreographer). The stage manager is Andrea L. Shell and second stage manager/assistant stage manager is Brooke Redler.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL is presented by U.S. Bank. The design sponsor and artist sponsor/Ghosts is Ohio National Financial Services. Artist sponsor/Ebenezer Scrooge is AAA and Provident Travel, artist sponsor/Tiny Tim is Skidmore Sales and Distributing and artist sponsor/Bob Cratchit is Bahl & Gaynor Inc.

Additional support is provided by The Stona Fitch Family.

All show times for A CHRISTMAS CAROL are at 2 p.m. for matinees and 7 p.m. for evening performances to accommodate families with children. Please note the earlier curtain time. There will be no performances on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and selected weekdays in early December. There is an added performance on Monday, Dec. 26.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL is suitable for all general audiences, including children ages 5 and older. Due to the full-length nature of the show, children younger than 5 cannot be admitted.

Tickets for A CHRISTMAS CAROL start at $40. Prices are subject to change, and patrons are encouraged to buy early for the best seats at the best prices. Tickets for children, teenagers and students are $30 and $45. Tickets for the public preview, which will be performed at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 23, begin at $35. The official opening night is at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL will be audio described for those with visual impairments at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, and signed for persons with hearing impairments at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4. The Playhouse is fully accessible. Audio enhancement receivers, large print programs and complete wheelchair access are available.

For the 21st year, the Playhouse will partner with the University of Cincinnati’s Hoxworth Blood Center for a blood drive on Saturday, Nov. 19, from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Blood donors who attend the special event will receive vouchers good for half-price tickets to select performances of A CHRISTMAS CAROL and LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS. To schedule an appointment, visit www.hoxworth.org/groups/playhouse. Because donation times are limited, donors are strongly encouraged to make an appointment in advance. Questions may be directed to Hoxworth at 513-451-0910.

Spread the joy this holiday season by participating in the Playhouse’s Cratchit Family Food Drive for the Freestore Foodbank. Bring donations of non-perishable food or personal care items (no glass, please) to the Playhouse during performances in November and December and place them in barrels located near the Box Office.

Characters from A CHRISTMAS CAROL, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati’s holiday production of CINDERELLA: AFTER EVER AFTER, Cincinnati Ballet’s FRISCH’S PRESENTS THE NUTCRACKER and The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s production of ELF THE MUSICAL JR. will be spreading the holiday spirit at festive events throughout the Tristate this season. For a listing of events, visit www.cincyplay.com.

Tickets to A CHRISTMAS CAROL are on sale now. For more information, call the Playhouse Box Office at 513-421-3888 (toll-free in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana at 800-582-3208) or visit www.cincyplay.com. Call 513-345-2248 for Telecommunications Device for the Deaf accessibility.

The 2016-17 Robert S. Marx Theatre season is presented by The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation, and Macy’s is the Robert S. Marx Theatre season design sponsor. The season sponsor of new work is the Lois and Richard Rosenthal Foundation.

The Playhouse is supported by the generosity of more than 40,000 contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign.

The Ohio Arts Council helps fund the Playhouse with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.

The Playhouse also receives funding from the Shubert Foundation.

 

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Capital Campaign Director Position Available at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

PIP_logoCincinnati Playhouse in the Park is an equal opportunity employer and encourages inquiries about this position from a broad spectrum of candidates reflecting the diversity of the community we serve.

Job Title: Capital Campaign Director

Position Overview
The Capital Campaign Director will lead the successful promotion, management and day-to-day operations of the Playhouse’s upcoming Capital Campaign. The Campaign Director works collaboratively with the Development Director, the Campaign Chair(s), and the President of the Playhouse’s Board of Trustees. The Campaign Director is a full-time exempt position with benefits. Evening and weekend hours are sometimes required.

Reports to: Managing Director and Artistic Director

Position Responsibilities

  • Direct the implementation of all aspects of the Capital Campaign, including the execution of the fundraising operating plan, timeline, and achievement of clearly defined benchmarks and goals.
  • Serve as the primary contact for Campaign Counsel in the day-to-day management of the campaign.
  • Establish solicitation priorities, manage prospect lists and research, develop and execute targeted cultivation plans and solicitation strategies for a select group of high-potential prospects.
  • Work closely with the Campaign Cabinet Chair(s) regarding the strategy and cultivation of the highest net-worth donor prospects.
  • Manage the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of a personal portfolio of Campaign prospects.
  • Work with Individual Giving/Stewardship Manager to capture patron information and movement in Tessitura, the Playhouse’s database.
  • Implement a communications plan to enhance the visibility and appreciation of the Playhouse in the context of the quiet phase of the Campaign.
  • Create and manage cultivation events and other engagement opportunities to build and enhance relationships with prospective major donors.
  • Maintain an active Campaign calendar (for solicitations, cultivation events, follow-up actions, etc.) and manage the tracking system for a moves management pipeline.
  • Create and write Campaign print and electronic collateral materials including the case statement and pledge cards, working with the Playhouse marketing team to ensure all materials fit within the new organizational branding. Coordinate the design and production of all Campaign materials.
  • Create and write other Campaign documents, including Campaign Cabinet and Board presentations, solicitation materials, acknowledgements and gift agreement letters.
  • Serve as the primary liaison with the Campaign Cabinet including coordination of regular meetings and management of Cabinet members’ cultivation and solicitation activities.
  • Provide weekly/monthly analysis and progress reports to Campaign Cabinet, Board, Development Director and Playhouse Leadership.
  • Serve as a member of the Playhouse’s senior management team, working cohesively with staff in all departments within the Playhouse.

Competencies

  • Minimum five years of progressive experience in fundraising, with a track record of success in meeting fundraising goals.
  • A detailed knowledge of major gifts fundraising, as well as capital campaign strategy and implementation.
  • Superb interpersonal skills that empower the candidate to be as comfortable in a private conversation as she/he is networking at a cocktail party.
  • Superb verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to develop written reports and deliver presentations communicating Campaign progress to multiple constituents.
  • Ability to successfully manage and build relationships with individuals, corporate donors, foundation representatives, government officials, Board leadership, and Playhouse staff.
  • Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative to meet goals in a time sensitive environment with impeccable attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Energetic, flexible and adaptable, and able to multi-task and work independently in an environment with competing deadlines.
  • Ability to work as an effective team member in a fast-paced environment.
  • A strong ethical character and the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately and with discretion.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite applications: Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook, and donor software -Tessitura preferred.
  • Appreciation for the performing arts and theater in particular.
  • Familiarity with major arts and culture funders in the Greater Cincinnati area is preferred.

Physical Demands:

  • The employee is frequently required to stand and walk, and occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
  • The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
  • This position is partially sedentary, and the employee is required to regularly talk and hear.

To Apply:
Submit your cover letter and resume with three references to:
Buzz Ward, Managing Director and Blake Robison, Artistic Director Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park
962 Mt. Adams Circle
Cincinnati, OH 45202
campaigndir@cincyplay.com
Applicants will be reviewed upon receipt of resume. No phone calls please.

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